The hosts kicked off their home fixture with a quick 10-0 lead, in the first 20 minutes of the match, that they complemented within the remaining 60 minutes for a 30-29 win.
As the Sables were slowly making their way to the Simbas territory, a slow pass was intercepted by Johnstone Mung’au who played in Monate Akuei to land the Simbas first try of the match. Jacob Ojee’s conversion attempt sailed wide for a 10-5 Zimbabwe lead. Three minutes later, a Zimbabwean cross kick worked in their favour as they landed a corner post try with the conversion perfectly splitting the twos for a 17-5 lead.
With ten minutes left to the breather, Anthony Odhiambo went over the whitewash for Simbas second try followed by a moment of magic from Jacob Ojee who danced and swung past several defenders before he was tackled. Scrumhalf on first half duty Samson Onsomu cleared the ruck, the ball finding its way to Monate’s hand who landed his post as he dived for a center post try. Fly half Charles Kuka added the twos for a 17-17 half time score.
The Simbas opened up the second half with two tries from Vice Captain Elkeans Musonye and Johnstone Mung’au. Musonye made his way through the Zimbabwean defense landing a try that was not successfully converted while Mung’au’s maiden try came off Kilonzo’s hands. With the Sables defense still forming, Mung’au had an open field to utilize as he went over the whitewash. Anthony Odhiambo added the conversion.
The two Simba tries sandwiched their hosts solitary try and conversion in the second half. Penalties against The Simbas twice in the second half saw the Sables go for points bringing their score to 30 against The Simbas 29 points a lead they held on to the end.
The return leg for this #VictoriaCup fixture is slated for 21st September while the return leg against Zambia is scheduled for 24th August at the RFUEA Grounds.
We have to learn how to convert our tries.